The month of June is going to be a momentous one for the Royal Family. Not only is Prince William turning 21, but the Queen is celebrating what Buckingham Palace calls the "crowning glory" of her Golden Jubilee - the service of commemoration at Westminster Abbey.
And royal watchers have already been struck by two landmark invitations that have gone out for these leading royal events of the year.
For the first time since Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, the two branches of Wills's family tree are to be reunited, with the Spencers joining the Royal Family at Prince William's 21st birthday party on June 21.
The 20-year-old prince seems intent on soothing tension between the two families. "Prince William has never fallen out with anybody and he wants all his close family and friends to be with him when he celebrates his birthday," said a senior royal aide. Earl Spencer – whose eulogy at his sister's 1997 funeral highlighted a rift between the two families – is expected to lead the list of invitees from Diana's family at the "Out Of Africa" bash at Windsor Castle.
Also of note is the Queen's personal invitation to Prince Charles's companion, Camilla Parker Bowles, to attend the 50th anniversary service at Westminster, according to reports. "It is the most momentous royal occasion she has been invited to," a friend told the Daily Mail.
The event marks yet another step forward in Mrs Parker Bowles's relationship with the heir to the throne. Her previous public appearances at royal festivities include last year's Golden Jubilee concerts at Buckingham Palace, during which she sat in the royal box at a discreet distance from the Queen. Last month it was announced she would have a private office at Charles's new home, Clarence House, and she will also be attending Prince William's birthday bonanza.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
